The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-09
And the Head Of the Nation Responds in
Wordy and Evasive Statement. Which Con-
tains No Comfort for the Petitioners.
Old Sunday Laws To Be Revived and
Enforced in the National Capital.
The Character of England's Claim Against the
Government of Hayti-Recorder Trotter
Still in Precarious Condition.
THE PRESIDENT DODGES.
An Evasive Reply to a Request from Il
American Fisheries' Union.

An Evasive Reply to a Request from tho
American Fisheries Union.
WASHINGTON April S-The President, having
received a communication from the American
Fisheries Union of Massachusetts, calling at
tention to the fisheries dispute and suggesting
that the retaliatory act passed by the late Con-
eress would, in their opinion, be sufficiently ex-
ecuted if the proposed retaliation was confined
to the closing of United States markets TO Cana
dian fish products, has made the following an
swer:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON. April z.
'Geo Steele Esq, President American Fisher Union,
and Others Gloucester Mass:
'Gentemen-1 have received your letter lately
addressed to me. and have given full considera-
tion to the expression of the views and wishes
therein contained in relation to the existing diff
ferences between the governments of Great Brit
ain and the United States. growing out OF the
refusal to award to our citizens engaged in FISH,
ing enterprises tie privileges to which they
entitled, either under the treaty stlpu-
lations or the guarantees of international
comfy and neiehborly concession. sincerely
trust the apprehension you express OF
unjust and unfriendly treatment Of American
fishermen lawfully found in Canadian waters
will not be realized. But If such apprehensions
should prove to be we'll founded, l earnestly
hope that no fault or inconsiderate action OF
any of our citizens will in the least weaken tho
just position of our government. or deprive US
of the universal sympathy and support to
which should be entitled. The action OF
this administration since June, 1885. when the
fishery articles of the treaty of 1871 were
terminated under the notification which had
two years before been given by our government,
has been fully disclosed by the correspondence
between the representatives and the appropriate
departments of the respective governments.
with which, l am apprised by your letter. you
are entirely familiar An examination of this
correspondence has doubtless satisfied you that
in no case have the rights or privileges of Amer
lean fishermen been overlooked or neglected,
but that, on the contrary, they have been
sedulously insisted upon and cared for by every
means within the control of the executive
branch OF the government.
''The set of Congress approved March 3, 1887
authorizing course of retaliation through exec
utive action. in the event of continuance, on
the part of the British American authorities. of
unfriendy conduct and treaty violations affect
ing American fishermen. has devolved upon the
President of the United States exceedingly
grave and solemn responsibilities, comprehend
ing highly impor tant consequences to our nation
al character and dignity, and involving ex-
tremely valuable commercial intercourse be-
| tween the British possessions of North America
| and the people OF tho United States. under
| stand the main purpose Of your letter is TO
suggest that in case recourse to the retaliatory
| measures authorized By this act should be
| invited by unjust treatment OF our fishermen IN
the future. the object of such retaliation might
| be fully accomplished by prohibiting Canadian
| caught fish from entry into the ports of the
| United States The existing controversy is one
| in which two nations the parties concerned.
| The retaliation contemplated by the act OF Con-
gress is to be enforced not to protect solely any
| particular interest, however meritorious or
valuable but to maintain the national
honor, and thus protect all our people. In this
view, the violation of American fishery rights
| aud unjust or unfriendy acts toward portion
| of our citizens engaged in this business. is but
| the occasion for action. and constitutes a ma
tional affront which gives birth to, or may
| Justisy, retaliation. This measure once re-
sorted to, its effectiveness and value may we'll
| depend upon the thoroughness and extent OF its
| application; and in the performance of interna-
| tional duties. the enforcement of international
| rights, and the protection of our citizens, this
government and the people of the United
States must act as a unit, all intent upon at
tanning the best result of retaliation upon the
basis of q maintenance of national honor and
| duty. A nation seeking by any means to main
tain its honor. dignity and integrity is engaged
| IN protecting the rights of its people, aud IL in
such efforts particular interests are injured and
special advantages forfeited these things should
be patrioticaly borne for the public good.
An immense volume of population. manu-
factures and agricultural productions, and
the marine tonnage and railways to which
these have given activity. all largely
the result of intercourse between the United
States and British America. and the natural
growth of full half century of good neighbor
hood and friendly communication. form an ag
gregate OF material wealth and incidental refa
tons of most impressive magnitude. fully
appreciate these things, and am not unmindfu
of the great number of our people who are con
cerned in such vast and diversified interests
In the performance of the serious duty which
the Congress has imposed upon me. and 10 ths
exercise. upon just occasion, of the power con
ferred under the act referred to. shall deem
myself bound to inflict no unnecessary damag,
or injury upon any portion OF our people; but
shall, nevertheless. be urfincbingly guided by
sense of what the self-respect and dignity of tn,
| Nation demands. In the maintenance of these
and 10 the support of the honor of the govern
ment beneath which every citizen may repos
in safety. no sacrifice of personal or private in
terests shall be considered as against the genera
welfare. Yours. very truly,
"GRovER CLEVELAND
Strou~ Waaiiop C,lOucester